Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police and Army officials in Negros Occidental met yesterday to discuss security concerns in preparation for the start of the election period that kicks offJanuary 13 and ends June 12.

The local and national elections will be on May 13.

Acting Negros Occidental provincial election supervisor, Salud Milagros Villanueva, said the Provincial Joint Security Control Center will be activated next week before the start of the election period.

A gun ban and checkpoints will be enforced during the election period, she said.

Also prohibited during the election period is the transfer or movement of officers and employees in the civil service; use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized in writing by the Commission; organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or other similar forces; and suspension of elective local officials.

Villanueva said they conducted a preliminary assessment of the situation in Negros Occidental and looked into possible hotspots, areas with intense political rivalry and those with rebel presence to prevent a sabotage of the May 13 polls.

We want to make sure the elections will be orderly and peaceful, she said.*